How to Source wooden products from India

Sourcing wooden Products from India for your Brand

Did you know India is the largest exporters of handmade wooden products including handicrafts and furniture?

India’s wooden export sector has seen remarkable growth in recent years, establishing the country as a major player in the global market. According to Volza’s India Export data, from March 2023 to February 2024, India exported 33,081 shipments of wooden handicrafts and 101,155 shipments of wooden furniture, marking an 8% and 53% growth, respectively, compared to the previous year.

On a global scale, India is among the top three exporters of wooden furniture, alongside China and Vietnam and leads with a total of 658,986 shipments. It also leads global wooden handicraft market with 521,461 shipments, followed by Indonesia and Vietnam.

From intricately carved furniture to stunning home décor, kitchen items, and educational toys, Indian wooden products offer a perfect blend of quality, craftsmanship, and affordability.

Every product reflects generations of skilled artisanship. Whether you’re selling on e-commerce platforms, running a boutique, or managing a home goods store, sourcing wooden products from India offers a unique edge with high-quality, artisan-crafted solid wood furniture, while China typically manufactures mass-produced particle board Ready to assemble (RTA) furniture.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about sourcing wooden products from India. From understanding the types of wood to identifying production hubs, certifications, and best sourcing practices—this blog will serve as your step-by-step roadmap to successful and profitable sourcing.

Wooden products you can Source from India

There is a huge variety of wooden products that can be sourced from India. Here are some of the top product categories:

• Home Décor: Handcrafted candle holders, trays, jewelry boxes, and photo frames.

• Furniture: Beautifully made tables, chairs, cabinets, shelves, and outdoor furniture.

• Kitchenware and Tableware: Wooden spoons, cutting boards, serving bowls, spice racks, baskets, platters and utensil organizers.

• Wall Décor: Unique wooden carvings, wall art, wall mirrors and decorative hangings.

• Toys and Games: Eco-friendly wooden toys, puzzles, and board games for kids and families.

• Handicrafts: Exquisite wooden sculptures, figurines, and traditional Indian artifacts that reflect cultural heritage.

•Eco-friendly bamboo products: Toothbrushes, combs, straws etc.

• Garden Accessories: Wooden planters, flower boxes, birdhouses, and outdoor décor items.

List of Types of Woods available in India

India is home to a wide variety of woods used for furniture, each offering unique qualities in terms of durability, aesthetics, and functionality. When Sourcing wooden products from India, it is important to know the wood varieties available as they come at different price points and also have different look. Teak is most commonly used for Furniture and Acacia and Mango wood is most widely used for small home decor or kitchen utlity products. Here is a list of wood varieties available in India:

Teak (Sagwan) is one of the most durable options, highly resistant to water and termites, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor furniture.

Sheesham (Indian Rosewood) is known for its rich grain patterns and strength, commonly used for cabinets, tables, and carved furniture, though its the most expensive wood and requires VRIKSH Certification for export.

Oak is widely chosen for its exceptional durability and ability to withstand heavy use.

Maple, a hard and dense wood, is perfect for furniture that requires long-lasting performance.

Mahogany is valued for its deep reddish-brown color and elegant grain, making it a top choice for high-end furniture.

Walnut wood is sought after for luxury pieces due to its dark tones and ability to hold intricate carvings.

Cherry wood is prized for its rich color variations and smooth finish, often used in fine furniture.

Acacia (Babul) wood is naturally resistant to moisture and pests, making it a great option for outdoor and rustic-style furniture.

Mango wood is an eco-friendly and affordable alternative, offering durability and a unique grain.

Cedar (Deodar) wood is appreciated for its aromatic properties and natural pest resistance, commonly used for wardrobes and storage furniture.

Pine wood, a lightweight softwood with a creamy color and smooth texture, is widely used in furniture, packaging, and decorative products due to its affordability and versatility.

Sandalwood (Chandan) is highly valued for its fragrance, durability, and fine texture, making it a preferred choice for decorative pieces and religious artifacts.

Sal wood is a strong and cost-effective hardwood often used in construction, bed frames, and doors due to its high load-bearing capacity.

Rubber wood, derived from retired rubber trees, is an economical and sustainable option commonly used for dining tables and kitchen furniture.

Jackfruit wood (Kathal) is durable and termite-resistant, often used for cabinets, beds, and intricate carvings.

Bamboo (Bans), though technically a grass, is a highly sustainable and flexible material used for furniture, decor, and outdoor applications due to its strength and moisture resistance.

Each of these wood types offers distinct advantages, making them well-suited for various furniture and decor needs.

Production Hubs of Wooden Products in India

Certain geographical regions in India have become renowned as wood centers due to a combination of natural resources, skilled craftsmanship, and historical factors. Cities like Jodhpur, Jaipur, Moradabad, Saharanpur have established themselves as some of the most sought-after destinations for sourcing wooden products in India.

Rajasthan’s woodworking tradition has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, influenced by both local and foreign cultures. The state’s woodwork is deeply rooted in its royal heritage, with many of the earliest masterpieces created for palaces, temples, and forts, often under the patronage of Rajput kings. Rajasthan’s wooden crafts evolved under the influence of Mughal rulers, who introduced Persian and Central Asian styles, which were then blended with traditional Rajasthani motifs.

These craftsmen were skilled in intricate carvings, furniture making, and decorative woodwork, often using exotic woods like rosewood, teak, and sandalwood. Over the centuries, the art has flourished, with each region in Rajasthan, including Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaipur, developing its own unique styles—ranging from ornate carvings and inlay work to lacquered finishes and painted woodwork. Chandrashekhar Exports is a leading exporter of wooden furniture in Jodhpur.

Also, since these are dry regions of Rajasthan, the lack of excessive humidity prevents the wood from warping or swelling, making it particularly suitable for intricate carvings and designs that require precision. This environment also reduces the likelihood of pests that commonly damage wood, ensuring that the products are of better quality.

The origins of Saharanpur’s woodwork tradition can also be traced back to the Mughal Empire, when skilled artisans from across India, including Persia and Afghanistan, were brought to the region to create royal palaces and other grand structures. The intricate marquetry and inlay work that characterized Mughal architecture also found its way into wooden furniture and home décor.

Here are the four cities that are wood manufacturing centres and along with their specialities.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan often referred to as the ‘Woodworking Capital of India’.

Long tradition of woodworking, with artisans specializing in intricate carvings, inlay work, and the creation of finely detailed high-quality furniture.
Famous for tables, cabinets, and chairs crafted from mango and acacia wood.

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Carved, lacquered, painted woodwork
A hub for smaller wooden décor items like trays, wall panels, carved frames, toys, religious artifacts.

Gangamani Arts and Crafts is a leading exporter of wooden artifacts and handicrafts in Jaipur.

Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh popularly known as ‘Sheesham wood village’ and ‘wood carving city’

From luxury furniture to decorative wooden crafts, including intricate carvings, wooden toys, marquetry, inlay work, and furniture accents.
The city is especially known for its Sheesham wood (Indian Rosewood) products. Products can be sourced at affordable prices, but quality monitoring is essential as most factories are small scale.

Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh

The city has a rich history as a center for metalwork and craftsmanship, particularly in brass. Over time, however, the city expanded its expertise to include wooden crafts, which are now an integral part of the local artisan community.

Known for high-quality wooden kitchen utility products.
Houses large factories supplying to top retailers globally.

C L Gupta is the leading certified exporter in Moradabad.

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Key wood finishes and treatments

Wooden products in India can be sourced in various finishes. Indian suppliers offer a range of finishes to enhance the appearance and durability of wooden products. Here are a few of them:

1.Natural Finish: This finish showcases the natural grain of the wood, providing a clean and elegant appearance that highlights the wood’s inherent beauty.

2.Stained Finish: Using translucent dyes, this finish adds color while still allowing the wood’s texture and grain to shine through.

3.Burnt Effect: Achieved by carefully torching the wood, this rustic finish gives the product a unique, weathered look that’s perfect for more traditional or vintage-inspired designs.

4.Whitewash: This finish gives a light, washed-out appearance to the wood, often creating a soft, vintage feel ideal for coastal or farmhouse decor styles.

5.Enamel Coating: A glossy, polished finish that brings color and shine to wooden products, making them stand out with vibrant hues and a smooth texture.

6.Decal Finish: A popular choice for adding intricate designs or logos, this finish uses high-quality adhesive decals applied to the surface of the wood for a decorative touch without altering the wood’s texture.

Wood Treatment Process

Before manufacturing, wood is seasoned and chemically treated to reduce moisture and prevent pests. Properly treated wood ensures durability and prevents cracking or warping.

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Sourcing Wooden Products: Best Practices

When sourcing wooden products from India, it’s essential to work with suppliers who provide certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), which ensures the wood is sustainably sourced. This helps guarantee that the wood you’re sourcing has been harvested responsibly, without causing environmental damage.

Additionally, make sure suppliers use proper packaging techniques to protect the products during transit and avoid potential damage. Silica gel and shrink wrapping are often used to prevent moisture damage, which is crucial during long-distance shipping. India’s monsoon season (June to September) can cause increased moisture in the wood. Plan accordingly to avoid issues during shipping.

Before shipping, ensure the wood has been moisture-treated and tested, and always request a fumigation certificate to prevent any pest-related issues and to meet international import regulations.

It’s also important to be aware that different countries have specific regulations when importing wooden goods to prevent illegal logging and protect ecosystems. For example:

•Australia: Follow the BICON biosecurity guidelines and ensure all required documents for clearance are in place.

•United States: Submit the Lacey Act Declaration form, which confirms the wood was legally harvested.

•Europe and the UK: Comply with the EU and UK Timber Regulations to prove that the wood was sourced legally and sustainably.

Before shipping, always consult with your freight forwarder and customs broker to ensure you meet the correct import compliance and documentation requirements.

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Kirti Sehrawat

I help E-commerce Entrepreneurs Source Products from India effectively and efficiently, so they can bring their brilliant Product ideas to life and Build an Online Business of their dreams.

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